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Coles

Country Life called it 'a great post-war garden'; historic 25 acre creation being renovated. Dazzling spring rhododendrons and azaleas with bluebells, Japanese acers among ancient oak woodland and arboretum for autumn colour, Koi, wildlife and Japanese ponds, lawns and contemporary beds of grass and perennials around stunning modern house (not open).

Owner Info

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About Coles

There will be a limited number of by arrangement visits in 2024.

Renovation of once-famous garden, famed for its rhododendron and azalea Spring display, planted in late 1940s by Otto Nicholson, whose family created the distinctive architecture in this locale. (Country Life called Coles ‘a great post-war garden’ in 1961). 50 mature Japanese Acers also dot the middle canopy beneath the oaks and sweet chestnuts of the ancient woodland that comprises over half of the 25 acre site: bluebells and varied leaf colour provide contrasting Spring and Autumn palettes.

The rhododendrons and azaleas are particularly fine in two grassed areas created in the woodland, The Glade and The Rockery, and rival Exbury for their variety and colour – not surprising as the two Head Gardeners were friends.

Garden renovation over the last 7 years has been carried out by Mike & Shuna who restored the 1764 Richard Woods garden at Old Alresford House: at Coles they have recently added 15 beds of contemporary grass and perennial planting around the stunning modern house they have built, with its own central garden courtyard accessed by walking under the house. And the views from the house down the striped lawns are a pleasure in themselves.

The garden is of particular interest to garden societies that like to see gardens in the making. The wildflower meadow beneath the arboretum will be planted this year, as will the heather beds beneath the pinetum they have created, but almost all the trees are planted, with some unusual specimens, all carefully labelled. They have also added a dramatic koi pond to accompany the old dew pond and large wildlife pond and a ‘water walkway’ is just one of the many walks you can enjoy.

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Location details

Coles,
Alton,
Hampshire,
GU34 3PH

Directions to Coles
From Petersfield, come up Bell Hill/Stoner Hill & turn L at top of hill via High Cross. From Winchester on A272 turn L at West Meon Xrds on to A32, after 2m turn R at The Angel.

Coles openings

Visit by Arrangement

This garden opens for By Arrangement visits from April to November for groups of between 10 and 40.

Please contact the garden owner to discuss your requirements and arrange a date for a group or bespoke visit.

Admission Adult: £15.00
Child: Free

Accessibility

  • Easy access around the house. An all terrain wheelchair is needed for the whole garden.
  • Share this garden

Other Gardens of Potential Interest

FAQs

Payment is by cash only. Please get in touch with the owners for more details.

Sorry, there is no available parking for coaches at Coles at this time.

Yes, dogs are welcome at Coles. Please keep the dogs on fixed short leads in the garden and keep in mind that you are responsible for controlling the dog’s behaviour. For any specific rules please ask the owners.

There are no plants for sale for the time being.

Yes, one or more routes at Coles are accessible to wheelchair users.

Yes. Coles seeks to offer a sustainable refuge for nearby fauna and wildlife. These sanctuaries host diverse habitats supporting indigenous flora and fauna and nurturing local biodiversity.